Specac offers consumables and binding additives for pelletizing, aiding the smooth creation of pellets from powdered mineral and geological samples.
- Binding additives are introduced during the milling process to enhance powder particle adhesion during compression. Typically, these additives consist of waxy, cellulosic materials with an elemental composition (primarily H, C, N, O, B) below the detectable range of XRF instruments, preventing the introduction of conflicting signals.
- Aluminum cups are utilized to support the sample during compression into a pellet. The aluminum cup crushes and deforms under pressure, enveloping the sample and leaving one side with a free surface for analysis.
- Protective films are applied to the pressing surfaces of the pellet die to prevent material adherence. If powders stick to the inner die surfaces, it can lead to delamination of the pellet during extraction.
Binders
SpectroBlend® for XRF
Specac provides Chemplex Industries' SpectroBlend® for XRF, serving as a grinding and briquetting agent designed for XRF sample preparation. This agent is suitable for both grinding and blending XRF samples, and it functions as a diluent for high concentrations of samples.
SpectroBlend® can grind a wide range of samples, making it suitable for those requiring extended grinding cycles in metallic dishes or vials. It is conveniently available in pre-weighed tablets and powder form.
XRF SpectroMix® Powder
For XRF sample preparation, Specac also presents Chemplex Industries' XRF SpectroMix® Powder. This powder, positioned between SpectroBlend® and X-Ray Mix®, is a grinding and briquetting agent. It resists 'caking' during grinding, ensuring moderately 'plasticized' surfaces that can be easily cleaned with a dry paper towel.
X-Ray Mix XRF Grinding Agent
Specac provides Chemplex Industries' X-Ray Mix® as a versatile grinding and briquetting agent tailored for XRF sample preparation.
Ideal for grinding moderately hard XRF samples in short durations, X-Ray Mix® results in strongly bonded sample pellets. Conveniently, it is offered in pre-weighed tablet form.
Aluminum Support Cups
These support cups are available in tapered or straight-walled versions for both 32 and 40 mm diameter pellet dies.
The tapered walls are particularly useful to prevent the cup from folding over onto the sample, especially with smaller sample amounts (compared to the height of the cup).
Plastic versions are also available.
Protective Pellet Films
Protective pellet films are circular polypropylene films with diameters of 32, 35, or 40 mm. Placed on the upper and lower pressing surfaces of the pellet die before use, these films prevent sample sticking and contribute to minimizing sample carryover.